I’m Giving Up Blogging

The reason I started blogging has nothing to do with why I still write. I didn’t start a blog because I wanted to capture memories, hone my writing, get paid for it, or meet people. But that’s what happened. The unexpected (to me) outcome of starting a blog is the realisation that I DO want to write, and it’s the reason I continue to do so.

In the three years since I started blogging, I have spent countless hours on social media, on looking at my blog statistics, on stressing over numbers, on figuring out how to squelch my envy of other bloggers’ successes, on how to move my blog to a better place. This is a normal cycle of things in the blogging world. Everyone looks at their statistics, and think about how dismal they are (even if they’re not). Everyone (at some point) wonders why they keep blogging. Not everyone carries on. Many give up their blog, and some continue writing in their private journals. They have stopped giving the world their words.

By giving up blogging, I am not giving up the blog. I am not giving up writing. I am giving up trying to be more of a blogger than a writer. I am giving up trying to ‘grow’ the blog, or take it to ‘the next level’. I am giving up worrying about page views, number of comments, or how many Facebook fans I have. I am giving up trying to figure out SEO. I am giving up trying to master all the ‘rules’ of blogging and social media.

I am not giving up learning about writing. I am not giving up reading amazing blogs written by amazing writers. I am not giving up my pursuit of this thing I love. I am not giving up freelance writing, or my pursuit for paid writing opportunities. I am not giving up capturing memories. I am still going to submit my writing everywhere, and try not to cry over every rejection. I am still going to hone this craft. I am still going to give the world my words on this blog (and hopefully, other places).

Alison Lee is a former PR and marketing professional turned work-at-home mother. After a 10-year career in various PR agencies, and of the world’s biggest sports brands, Alison traded in product launches and world travel, for sippy cups, diapers, and breastfeeding. Alison's writing has been featured on Mamalode, On Parenting at The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, Everyday Family, Scary Mommy, and DrGreene.com. She is one of 35 essayists in the anthology, My Other Ex: Women’s True Stories of Leaving and Losing Friends. In 2012, she founded Little Love Media, a social media consultancy specializing in blog book tours, and because she doesn’t sleep, is an editor at BonBon Break, an online magazine. Alison lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with her husband and four children (two boys and boy/ girl twins).

I love this. Every word and I agree… It always has been my way, not to worry about the page views and numbers, to write when I feel like it, to grow my writing, not my blogging. I’m proud of you and I wish more bloggers felt/thought this way. Everyone has an amazing story to tell. Tell it!!Tonya recently wrote…Side By Side

Good thoughts to consider and a great reminder that we can’t be everything to everybody! There are times where blogging serves me well ( supportive tribe, bright readers with great suggestions, and a way to educate others about twice-exceptional kids) and then others where it feels overwhelming. For me, at this moment, the good outweighs the bad 🙂Mytwicebakedpotato recently wrote…So…How Is It?

Alison, I completely understand where you are coming from. I am focusing my energy on my writing as well and getting paid opportunities, and will stop trying to grow my blog. I wish you every success on your journey!
EstelleEstelle recently wrote…Giveaway for The Happy’s Pet: The Hot New Toy

I think a lot of are changing our focus. We have to since the blogging/online world is changing too. If we do not well then… we’ll continue to get frustrated with those things you listed above, concentrating on them too much.

I write because it’s a want and a need for me. It just so happens that I especially love doing it on a blog.

I like your new philosophy on it all and I really adore Sarah’s words…

I gasped when I saw your post title because I’d just discovered and begun loving your blog. But whew, you’re not going away.

I’ve been blogging since 2005 and I don’t really care to ‘grow’ the blog, though I’ve received some requests. I don’t want to because I feel I would then have to change my writing to fit a focus. Also, I had a brief experience of huge traffic to my blog and I didn’t like it because I got comments from people who didn’t know where I was coming from. I love my small pool of dedicated readers and commenters. Sometimes low-key is not a bad thing…but probably only if you don’t want to make a career of blogging.The Bride recently wrote…Long weekend happy

Low-key is absolutely not a bad thing. I love that all the efforts I put in earlier to the blog paid off – I wouldn’t have met the people I have, or received the opportunities I did. But I’m at a good place now without making the kinds of efforts I used to, so I want to just stay here and write. Sounds like you’re in a good place!

I have a mission statement about my blog – that keeps me focused. I don’t twitter – but I do like the friendships that come from the blogahood – women encouraging women, praying for them – it can be a sweet place. I don’t want to spend my time playing readership games. That distracts from the important stuff:) Wishing you much blessing as you dig into the heart of writing!bluecottonmemory recently wrote…change comes quietly

I have to say I was shocked!! But I get what you doing! It’s what I do…. I’d like to make enough money to cover my hosting cost but I’m not to pushed by the whole earning thing! Your blog was the first one I started to follow and I’d miss it if you stopped writing!!!Louise recently wrote…5 Things Friday! Co-Host Opportunity

And I’m so very glad it isn’t ballet dancing. (I’m not very good at discipline unless it’s writing)
I am with you – I never check stats, actually. I do somewhat wonder when I could be discovered as the next big thing, but maybe we all do that at some point. And I’m also pretty happy with the way things are, actually.
And I get to “meet’ people like you.Tamara (like) Camera recently wrote…My Photography Process.

That last paragraph about what you are not giving up? I feel every word of that. I love the writing part, the reading part, the commenting part of blogging. The rest gives me a bit of a headache. Accepting that is a sort of self discovery – an aha! moment. I’m glad you will still be around in whatever way you choose to be.Shannon recently wrote…Thank You, Erma

you go on with your bad self girlfriend! love that you’re taking a stand to do what you want. i’ve been dying to go write on the old personal blog. ust write. share my thoughts, my views, stuff that i love. so little time…vanita recently wrote…BB 008: Mia Wengen On Crushing It With Tap Influence

I love this and totally agree. I have been working on letting go of the results and just working on writing the best post I can and enjoy reading all the amazing blogs that are out there. I will admit though that I do occasionally check my stats and numbers, but it’s progress not perfection! Lol!Kathy Radigan recently wrote…Down the Rabbit Hole Again

I so love this post. As someone who is new in the blogging world I do sometimes get worried about page reviews and all. I almost gave up on blogging per se. But after reading this I have to learn to love BLOGGING cause it is what I love to do. Share my stories as a stay at home mom of 3 girls. I always look forward to your post.Ma. Teresa Grech Q. Racal recently wrote…The Big 4-0

I think that is a great mindset to have and one that I need to have for my own blog. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in stats and seo and “growing” the blog.Julia recently wrote…5 Favorite Vegetarian Recipes

It’s so freeing to come to this place right? I decided last year I was letting go of all that pressure too. It has been so so awesome. The realization for me was that if I kept pace and devoted so much of my efforts to “growing” the blog and all the social media rules then I actually had no life to write about lol Anyway, welcome to the stress-free table. I’m glad you are here! Cheers!Colleen recently wrote…I Can Smile at the Old Days

Preach on sista! You are a great writer and love that is your focus not “blogging.” Blogging has changed so much since we started and became so much work. It should be a place you enjoy not a place of stress. Or that’s what I tell myself 🙂Natalie recently wrote…Some Weeks Call for a Breather

I’m right there with you, Alison! I think worrying about the numbers is part of why I quit my old blog, but I’m certainly taking a different path with my photoblog. I’ve stopped looking at the numbers almost completely. I’ve given up on SEO all-together because it doesn’t make sense and changes more than I change my socks. I’m much happier that way and it gives me more time to concentrate on connecting with other bloggers and making stronger connections with them. 🙂Felicia recently wrote…#AtoZChallenge: T is for Tear

Heart attack and back in 5 seconds.
Yay for changing your focus and yay yay for you not quitting the blog.
My prediction – it will grow from here, because you will focus only on what matters.
xoxKerstin recently wrote…How to survive a vacation with a tween and a teen

I get it. I totally do and wish I could do the same thing asap! Instead I’m slowly phasing out the “blog biz” demands. Hoping by end of the year to be in a better place.Onica {MommyFactor} recently wrote…Adding “Being Sick” To My To-Do-List?

Love John Green. It’s true if you get sucked in this world it takes over your life. I don’t care for SEO or numbers – as long as people visit and interact with me it gives me a purpose. It makes me happy, tis all. I enjoy the process even if I’m rushing at midnight the night before to schedule my post. Enjoy being a liberated blogger 🙂 Happy Hump Day Alison 🙂 -IvaAwesomelyOZ recently wrote…GTFO: Riding the Theta Wave

I think the writing alone is time-consuming enough. I don’t understand how people find the time or energy for all the other stuff. I hope this allows you to do more of what you love!Amy recently wrote…How to make an impression

I learned that a long, long time ago . . . when I had a “blog first” attitude, well, writing a blog post was downright stressful. Now, the blog is a silly, happy thing that I do.John (Daddy Runs a Lot) recently wrote…Where bananas flood my youthful memories

you’re ahead of the curve again..right there in the place where things make sense.
I applaud your choice and know it’s a sound one. A good one. A healthy one and an inspiring one because it frees you to WRITE.
Which, BTW, is the reason, we come here to your space in the first place. To read the words you give us.

Oh my friend, you always have the right words. Somehow, I don’t feel like I’m ahead of the curve in this aspect though. I feel like I’ve come to it a little later than I should have. But it doesn’t matter. I’m here now. xo

There’s this Bob Dylan song called “Tangled Up In Blue” and there’s a particular stanza that reminds me of this post:

“And every one of them words rang true
And glowed like burnin’ coal
Pourin’ off of every page
Like it was written in my soul from me to you
Tangled up in blue”

I love the realization that being a writer takes priority over being a blogger because being the best writer you can be is more rewarding than any stat or traffic a sponsored post can bring you. I feel your message in my core, LOVE IT.Rebecca recently wrote…Forever Spring Breaking

And second – yeah for you!
I am personally happy to have more on the side I’ve always been on which I call “no, I don’t actually have to join all the Sites and be On The Twit all the hours or pinning All the things to grow my blog.” I just want to write what I want to write. I want to join the memes of my interesting and inspiring fellow writers. Share and exchange ideas. A great picture. I don’t care if 3000 people retweet or pin it. that’s never been the point.

I am almost did quit myself – well, actually I did for a year — because it was starting to feel more like a big ole high school popularity contest. And while I may have done well with that in actual high school, I didn’t want my “safe place” where my words are set free to be subject to it. You have a great gift for words. And for saying what strikes in the heart of many women and mothers: just go with that and we will always come back for more. 🙂Rorybore recently wrote…WW: Beginnings

As always, I love your honesty! Can I join the ‘quitting-blogging-but-not-the-blog’ club? Because I’m right there with you! As much as I love the writing, the friendships, and the opportunities, I’ve come to realize that ‘blogging’ can be a full time job, and I’ve already got one full time job and a growing family to juggle. I won’t stop writing or connecting, but I’m going to spend less time worrying about social media, site stats, and promotion. I truly believe if I keep writing (well), the opportunities will come and the connections will thrive.

I think this is the best attitude to have. I started blogging just as an online journal, with no clue that there was this whole community out there or ways to make money from it. I’ve loved the community and appreciated money made, but it’s so important to keep writing just for myself. Otherwise, I’d end up hating it and quitting.Shell recently wrote…Pour Your Heart Out

Good for you! This is what I need to do. I go in spurts. Sometimes I get too caught up in the numbers (my numbers are very very small) and in what other bloggers are doing. I really need to remember why I started blogging in the first place – to write and be creative.Brandy recently wrote…The Ultimate Blog Party 2014 #UBP14

Yes, this is what is up with me. I had an “unconscious uncoupling” with my blog. I’ll come back to it, in a bit, but I need the time I used to put into it for our recent move and live life. Plus, I want something new, design maybe?Carolyn Y recently wrote…Failing At Getting It All Done

I totally hear this! I did this with my personal blog a while back. I post when I want and what I want. I rarely look at stats and I KNOW there are things to update on the design, but I just don’t care. 🙂 I use Evernote to capture a lot of things that I don’t feel like finessing into a blog post, but still want to remember. Works for me! Good luck on this new, freer you!Melissa {Blog Clarity} recently wrote…10-Minute Touch Up: The Five-Word Branding Test

I don’t get it. I’m having a blonde moment but I am not legitimately blonde. Not that all blondes are stupid just like not all gingers have no souls.
So are you saying that you’re “writing to write” or “writing not to gain numbers” or “not blogging at all” or “Let’s mind screw kim”
Throw a blonde a bone xoxKimberly recently wrote…Not Your Typical Easter Sap

I feel you on this- it can be so draining to worry about SEO and views and I think it gets in the way of me writing and sharing truly, fully in daily life. But, for what it’s worth, I always look forward to your posts and I’m glad you’re not quitting the blog!Emily recently wrote…currently: celebrating two

OK, when I first saw the title of this post, I was totally worried because I love reading your words. Then I read the first line and breathed a sigh of relief. But also because I’m so glad that I’m not the only one feeling this way. I think that I’ve been questioning why I blog most of this year and I realized that I’m really tired of trying to do all the right “bloggy” things and worry about growing the blog. I’ve gained so much from blogging like you mentioned and I don’t want to lose all of that because I’m tired of all the other crap.Christine recently wrote…Paddling for Position

The ‘right’ bloggy things – it’s just an endless stream of things, isn’t it? It just takes away from what matters and why we blog in the first place. I’m just going to leave the bloggy things to people who truly care about those things.

I so get this and I am getting pretty close to giving up blogging myself – not writing, just blogging. I have been feeling like a gerbil on a wheel – frantically running and getting nowhere. For what?? I admire your attitude about it and I currently find myself trying to get to similar place.Lisa recently wrote…My Favorite Candy! {Tuesday Ten Linkup}

That is EXACTLY the conclusion I came to after my first (and only one day) blog conference (by SITS). I have no interest in working with brands, etc. I just don’t want to answer to anyone but myself and the few editors I work with at the writing gigs I have. I do love the blogging community though and I’m proud to be part of it. SO glad you wrote this post so I can just link to it and just say “THIS.” 🙂Nina recently wrote…Where We Are From

I am definitely appreciative of all the friends I’ve met, and my community of readers here and on Facebook. I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I’m glad that my earlier efforts (before I started resenting them as ‘bloggy things’) have brought me so much. But I’m in a good place now, I don’t feel like I need to do all that. I also realized I don’t want to work with brands or write sponsored posts, because that’s just ‘not me’. It’s a much happier place to be!

You know I totally agree with this. I am a writer first, a blogger second (or sometimes not at all…like for the nine months I am in school because I barely have time to write, let alone worry about my stats).

I didn’t know stats were a thing until…sheesh…probably four years into this thing. And I will be in the game for seven this summer. On 7/7. Huh. I just realized that.

Anyway, bravo for this. I love it and I’m glad you said it!Katie recently wrote…building a dream

I’m glad you aren’t totally giving up the blog! I have never kept up with the stats on either my former or current blog. And even though I’ve considered doing the social media thing, I decided to keep things light not make more work for myself.Jeanne recently wrote…A Traumatic Haircut Experience

I did this exact thing at the beginning of this year and I cannot tell you how much happier it has made me. I feel more like a writer practicing and perfecting her craft now and I spend my time really writing and crafting words and it feels so much more in line with what and who I want to be. Good for you and best of luck with your blogging-not-blogging adventures!Tricia recently wrote…Pretty darn perfect

I’m so glad I started my blog years back when I did. I really needed it then. I needed that immediacy and instant gratification–just seeing if anyone was interested in what I had to say really tickled me. Times have changed though. It’s good to evolve along with them. I’m back to recording life as I know it on my blog without caring about my reach. Whoever reads it reads it and in the meantime I take a lot of satisfaction in the documentation part. Yes to all of your words here! I’m right there too.

I gave up paying attention to page views and the like a long time ago. I’m glad to see that it’s catching on with others. I’ve always been all about the writing, the words, the stories. That’s what I think is important. And I love that you share yours.Roxanne recently wrote…Helping a child’s broken heart. {Pour Your Heart Out}

Nice post! I get it. When I think about the early days of my blog, I feel like I wasted HOURS and HOURS on being a blogger. It didn’t earn me any real readers. I’ve changed my focus quite a bit in the last year. I used to participate in three or four blogs hops a WEEK. I am enjoying it much better now now. I participate when I want to and don’t feel guilty when I don’t. 😉Kenya G. Johnson recently wrote…Are We There Yet?

—-Your words MATTER, Alison Lee.
Glad you are not giving up with “words.” NO!
btw, I have NEVER looked at my stats. Not once.
I write for myself…I do not want to write for the masses or for popularity.

I have changed so much over my blogging journey too. To be honest, I really didn’t know much about blogging when I started, so everything was new to me. I have relaxed over time but I still get caught up in thinking that I don’t have enough time, I need to do more, grow more. But I do think about the writing more now and making the post and the words the best I can, rather than just posting for the sake of posting.Kim recently wrote…Wonder

So awesome! I have been blogging for over 5 years now, and yes have gone through that cycle so many times. Every time I start to think about blogging for the sake of blogging (stats, etc), I lose the enjoyment. It is trickily to find that perfect balance as let’s be honest it is nice to get little perks from doing something you like. Blogging really has changed, heck when I started blogging i wasn’t even on Facebook 🙂Emmy recently wrote…You Really Do Matter

This is awesome. So, so good. Thank you for your honesty. I’m so glad that I found you from Shell’s linkup 🙂 Keep trucking, and I can’t wait to see what comes next. ~Jenna // A Mama CollectiveJenna // A Mama Collective recently wrote…Let’s Make Room for Growth :: 17/52

I’ve been blogging for about seven years but didn’t start really enjoying it until a year ago when I gave up caring about my blog numbers. For many years, I wasted so much time and energy either worrying about how to gain readers or trying to figure out how the “successful” bloggers got to be so popular. I blog because I enjoy writing and it’s helped me become a better writer.

This is such a great post and a good reminder that it’s okay to make up our own rules for blogging.Jennifer recently wrote…Photo Journal

I'm Alison. Writer, a mother of four (two boys and boy/ girl twins), social media enthusiast and book lover. A believer in the power of chocolate and hugs. Chugging coffee as I type. Want to know more?